What makes this trip different from other tours? +
This is not your average group tour. From the moment you land, everything is taken care of - your transfer, your accommodation, your tours, your money, even your SIM card. No stressing about dodgy vans, no hunting down ATMs, no logistics headaches. Just show up and experience the Philippines the way it was meant to be experienced.
We start in Cebu - tricycle rides through local streets, a school visit to give back to the community, swimming inside millions of sardines, and canyoneering through the jungle gorges of Kawasan Falls. From there, we fly to El Nido, Palawan - island hopping, hidden lagoons, snorkelling, and a sunset dinner to finish.
What sets this trip apart:
• Early starts where possible - experience Kawasan Falls and El Nido's lagoons before it gets too crowded
• Comfortable private transport - no crammed vans, no strangers on your lap, no long waits in the heat
• Small group of 12 maximum, always
• A dedicated trip host and guide throughout
• Adventure and downtime, balanced
• Meaningful community experience with Gawad Kalinga
Is this trip right for me? +
Made for you if...
• You want to actually experience the Philippines, not just photograph it
• You care about travelling responsibly and ethically
• You're done planning every detail yourself
• You want to travel with like-minded people, not a bus full of strangers
• You're ready for adventure but don't want to sacrifice comfort
• You want memories, not just a holiday
Not for you if...
• You're travelling with kids - adults only, 18+
• You expect five-star luxury at every turn
• You're not open to new foods or different cultures
• You're not willing to roll with the unexpected - this is the Philippines, and that's part of the magic
• You want a resort stay where you never leave the pool
What fitness level do I need? +
You don't need to be an athlete, but a moderate level of fitness is recommended. Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls involves swimming, jumping, and hiking for several hours - it's an adventure, not a stroll. The sardine run is a short swim from shore and suitable for most. There's also a free day built in to rest and recover. If you can handle a full day of activity, you'll be fine.
Can you cater for dietary requirements? +
Yes! We can cater for vegetarians and will do our best to accommodate other dietary requirements too. Simply let us know when you book and we'll make sure you're taken care of throughout the trip.
Do I need travel insurance? +
Yes - travel insurance is mandatory. If you do not have valid travel insurance, you will not be permitted to join the trip. No exceptions.
When taking out your policy, please make sure it covers the following activities included in our itinerary:
• Swimming and snorkelling
• Canyoneering and cliff jumping
• Hiking and trekking
• Kayaking
• Zipline
• Scooter and motorbike rental including accidents (if you plan to hire one on your free days)
We recommend taking out a comprehensive travel policy that covers adventure activities, medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and personal liability.
What's the flights & luggage situation? +
One inter-island flight is included: Cebu to El Nido. The return flight from El Nido is not included - at the end of the tour you're free to continue your adventure from El Nido, head to Coron, Manila, or fly home from wherever suits you best.
International flights to and from the Philippines are not included. We recommend flying into Cebu (CEB) to join the tour.
The included flight allows one piece of checked baggage (maximum 20kg) and one piece of hand carry (maximum 7kg) - pack accordingly.
I'm travelling solo - is that okay? +
Absolutely - many of our travellers join solo and it's one of the best ways to do it. The small group size (max 12) means you'll genuinely connect with people, not just tag along with strangers. We have a solo pricing option with single-occupancy accommodation. You won't feel like the odd one out - we promise. Please note: the couples rate is for romantic partners sharing a queen or double bed. If you're travelling with a friend and happy to share a room with separate beds, the twin share option is available. Friends travelling separately will need to book as two solo travellers.
Do I need a visa & eTravel card? +
Many nationalities can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days - no pre-arrangement needed. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. We recommend checking the
Philippine Bureau of Immigration website for the current visa requirements for your country before booking.
You'll also need to complete the Philippine eTravel form at
etravel.gov.ph within 72hrs of arrival.
Is this trip good for first-timers to the Philippines? +
It's actually ideal. Having a guide who knows the country means you get the real experience without the stress of navigating it alone for the first time. Everything is arranged - transfers, accommodation, activities, inter-island flights. You'll come home feeling like you've truly seen the Philippines, not just scratched the surface.
What's the group dynamic like? +
We cap the group at 12 people - deliberately. This isn't a bus tour. Guests are typically professionals in their 20s-40s who want a well-organised, genuine travel experience. There's plenty of group time built in, but also room to do your own thing. By the end of the trip, most people leave as friends.
What should I pack? +
Light is best - think resort casual. Essentials include: reef-safe sunscreen (required to protect coral in Moalboal and El Nido), a rash vest, sturdy water shoes or sandals, a dry bag for boat days, light layers for evenings, and any personal medications. We'll send a full packing list to all confirmed guests. The Philippines is hot and humid in October, so breathable fabrics are your best friend.
You can purchase or rent snorkelling gear, reef shoes, and waterproof phone pouches in the Philippines - no need to pack them from home.
We recommend arriving with Philippine pesos already on hand - most islands are cash only. If you run out, ATMs are available in both Moalboal and El Nido, and our team can assist with currency exchange if needed.
What happens if the internal flight is cancelled or rescheduled? +
If the internal flight is cancelled or rescheduled due to circumstances outside our control, the trip will be rescheduled accordingly. We will work to rebook on the next available flight and minimise disruption as much as possible. Any additional accommodation or costs caused by the delay will be invoiced to you directly - these costs should be claimed through your travel insurance. We are not liable for circumstances outside our control, which is why comprehensive travel insurance covering trip disruption is mandatory for all guests.
What happens if there's a typhoon or severe weather? +
Your safety is always the priority. If severe weather affects the trip - whether before or during - we'll follow all local authority guidance and do everything we can to keep things moving. Activities may be substituted, and in serious cases the trip may need to be rescheduled.
Any additional costs you incur as a result - including extra accommodation or flight changes - are your responsibility to claim through your travel insurance. Make sure your policy covers trip cancellation, trip disruption, and natural disasters.
We are not liable for circumstances outside our control.
When is the full payment due? +
A non-refundable $500 AUD deposit per person is required to secure your spot. The full balance is due 90 days before departure - by
26 July 2026 for the October 26 departure.
If you book after 26 July 2026, full payment is required at the time of booking.
For full payment terms, see our
Terms & Conditions.
What is the cancellation policy? +
We understand that life happens. Here's what you need to know:
Notice Period & Cancellation Fees
•
90 days or more before departure: Deposit ($500 AUD) forfeited; any payments above the deposit refunded.
•
31–89 days before departure: 50% of the total tour cost forfeited.
•
30 days or fewer before departure: 100% forfeited - no refund.
All cancellations must be submitted in writing to
[email protected]. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation so you can claim any non-refundable costs back through your insurer.
For the full cancellation policy, please read our
Terms & Conditions.